A broken link is a hyperlink on a website that no longer leads to the intended destination. When users click on a broken link, they are typically met with an error message such as "404 – page not found". Broken links can arise from several causes, including changed URLs, removed content or errors in the link address. They negatively affect both user experience and SEO, as they create a frustrating experience for visitors and can cause search engines to deprioritize the page.
How do broken links occur?
Broken links can occur due to several different causes, including:
- Deleted or moved content: If a page or file has been deleted or moved without a proper redirect, the link referring to the old content becomes broken.
- Wrong URL: A misspelling in the link address or an incorrect URL can result in a broken link.
- Changed domains: If a website changes its domain name or URL structure without updating internal or external links, this can create dead links.
- External pages removed: If you link to external resources that are later removed, the link to those resources will be broken.
Why are broken links problematic?
Broken links can create several challenges, both for user experience and SEO:
- Poor user experience: When visitors click on a broken link and the page is not found, they become frustrated, which can lead to higher bounce rates and lower engagement.
- Negative SEO effect: Search engines like Google view broken links as an indicator of poor website maintenance. If there are many dead links, it can damage your site's authority and ranking in search results.
- Loss of traffic: If external links to your site are broken, it can result in lost potential traffic and thus lower conversions.
How can you fix broken links?
To avoid the negative consequences of broken links, you can take the following steps:
- Use link-checking tools: There are tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog or Broken Link Checker that can scan your website for dead links.
- Redirect (301 redirect): If a page has been moved, you can set up a 301 redirect that takes users from the old URL to the new destination.
- Update internal and external links: Ensure your internal links are correct and up to date. If external links are dead, you can update them or remove them.
Fixing broken links is important to maintain a good user experience and ensure your site performs well in search engines.